[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Coombes_Brian.jpg” caption=”Brian Coombes”]Brian Coombes, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, has won a prestigious international award from the American Society for Microbiology.

The ICAAC Young Investigator Award recognizes and rewards early career scientists for research excellence and potential in microbiology and infectious diseases. The awards are presented annually at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC). Coombes will travel to the conference in San Francisco in September to accept the award, which consists of a plaque and $2,500.

Coombes earned his PhD in Medical Sciences at McMaster, than moved to the University of British Columbia for postdoctoral research. He was recently recruited to return to McMaster.

He said winning the award was an honour, as it is recognition that comes from peers in the scientific community.

“It's a special feeling to know that your research is having an impact and will perhaps make a difference to our global community.”

Coombes is a microbial biochemist with specialized training and expertise in infectious diseases, and also works as a research scientist with the Public Health Agency of Canada. His research focuses on bacterial pathogens and understanding the genes that allow infection and cause disease.

By using and developing contemporary technologies, Coombes is recognized as a leading researcher in pathogenesis, and has published many high-impact papers and book chapters.

In his role with the Public Health Agency he is trying to find new ways to prevent infections that are passed from animals to humans.

He has previously earned the McMaster Dean's Award of Excellence in graduate research, and the Canadian College of Microbiologists award for outstanding service.